Saturday, August 22, 2009

This always happens when I work on a book. I poke and pick at the first 10 chapters or so. I work out the characters, I type some here and there then all of a sudden ... BAM... I know how the book should work, I know who dunnit, I know how it's going to end, and I can't wait to get to the keyboard.

That's what's been going on today. I've been writing like a fiend, going back and forth, working out plot points, laying in clues, and mapping out the next 5 chapters or so. The way I'm going, I'll have this wrapped up in a week, easy.

Whew.

I never know when I start a book if it will be like pulling teeth to write it, or will it flow off my fingers? This one is FINALLY flowing...hooray!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Actually, not so deep but thoughtful, anyway. Why do some things annoy the crap out of us? I know I should be able to ignore some behaviors by other people but I just can't sometimes.

I work in a cube environment and there are people around me who (1) have loud phone voices; (2) have 'loud' perfume; or (3) have 'loud' food (smelly)

What is it with them? We're all sharing a space here! Come on, give me a break! {there. I feel a bit better}

Another annoyance: some people talk way too much and some don't talk at all. Case in point: I know someone who talks constantly. Constantly. She reads road signs when we drive, she laughs at nothing, she continually speaks. I know she doesn't even hear herself so I don't really mind, but I do wish she'd listen now and again. But she's too busy speaking ....

And on the opposite spectrum: my DH, who NEVER acknowledges if he's heard something I've said. How many times have I added, "Are you listening?" and I get an offended look in return.

I should be able to just adapt to these people. They're in my life, they're relatives, and they ain't going to change. But I still end up grinding my teeth sometimes when I'm with them.

I wish I could be like a well trained little lab rat & just ADAPT to my little rat maze!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

So far ... I'm not sure if it'll be good. I've only been to one workshop and I was impressed with it, but it seems like the conference isn't that well organized. We'll see how it goes today.

Weather? Hot and humid (duh. Tennessee in summer). I had dinner last night with an old friend from MN who is now living here, so that was good to see her and get caught up. We went to a little bar and had macaroni and cheese & shepherd's pie. Unusual and yummy.

Today: workshops, then we're on our own for dinner (that came as a surprise). We have a rental car, though, so we'll drive out and see what looks interesting. Then back on the road tomorrow to head for home.

I was scheduled to go to one more con this year, but I think I'm going to cancel it. I don't think I'm getting what I need from these conferences, so I'm going to rethink my priorities. Always a good thing.

I'll fill you in on details on Tuesday when I'm back. Until then, stay cool!

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Last year a friend of mine started working with me in my Day Job. I thought she was okay with the job -- maybe not HAPPY, but okay with it.

Nope. She just quit.

There was a bit of a tempest in a teapot -- you know how it goes, something happens, it gets blown out of proportion, people over-react and if everybody would just pause & think, things would get back to normal.

But she decided to quit, put all her furniture in storage, and take off on an extended drive to ... she's not sure where. She'll take off next week or the week after at the latest. I would normally applaud such a free spirit, but I'm not sure she's really thinking this through to its logical conclusion. She & I have talked about it and she's sure it's the right thing to do.

While a part of me thinks this sounds like a blast, another part -- the majority of me, really -- thinks it's just not a good idea. In my youth, this would be doable, but I'm not young & carefree anymore. I have obligations and responsibilities, things (people, cats) I can't walk away from. It amazes me that she can do it, and so easily (relatively speaking, of course).

I will be interested to see what shakes out in the coming months. I can only wish her well and tell her to gather stories to share with me -- I may need a plot or two in the future!